Learning Maps™

A Fruitful Methodology

Freedom & Simplicity™ of Lifestyle Education through Discipleship™

What is a Learning Map™?

Learning Map™ is the term we use for mind mapping our teaching and learning at Me and My House. It is an AWESOME and POWERFUL tool for learning, for gaining and retaining understanding! It is a natural with biblical principles learning because it shows relationships!

Basically a mind map (somewhat related to graphic organizer, conceptual outline, or web) is a memorable way to graphically/visually outline and organize, brainstorm and research, plan and present, educate and evaluate, comprehend and communicate ideas, through diagramming, using colors, symbols, levels, and relationships. We first learned how to make these as a pre-writing help many years ago. I was impressed by their usefulness and benefits as both a learning and teaching tool, and it grew from there to be one of the primary tools we use in education - both learning and teaching.

You start with a word/picture/idea in the middle of a paper and then branch out from there - first your main points, then each of those branched into subpoints. Utilizing color and pictures/symbols, as well as the design, helps us to remember the ideas, information and relationships easier.

I originally drew my Learning Maps™ by hand, and my children still do most of the time. But software is available to make our Learning Maps™ on the computer. That makes them super fun and convenient, as well as enhances our use of color, pictures, and all sorts of design. (I LOVE color and design. -- And I own 3 - make that FOUR - different mind mapping apps.) :-)

We use Learning Maps™ to plan studies, to document studies, to outline lessons (for me to teach from - or the kids outline as I'm teaching/ what they learn), to outline writing assignments, to brainstorm anything, etc...... I even made a Learning Map™ of their daily responsibilities. :-) And I make them of each seminar session I teach, as well as for the books I write.

You can take a peek at a few of our simple Learning Maps™ on our webpages. And scroll to the bottom of this page for a Learning Map™ about Learning Maps™. :-)

Our newest book will have a complete section on Learning Maps™. Watch for it late summer 2008 - Freedom & Simplicity™ on R Road to Biblical Wisdom.

Take a look at the computer mind mapping programs we've been using. All are available to download for a Free Trial period. We are affiliate partners with iMindMap, the Ultimate, full featured and "only official" mind mapping application, that works the way your mind does in MindMapping, from the originator of MindMapping®, and NovaMind, another well-featured program I've enjoyed using - although not quite as "organic". Inspiration, a mind mapping program specifically designed for the education field, and Mind Manager, the first mind mapping software I owned, can be ordered through our Amazon affiliate links below. Download the trials to see which you like best, then if you choose to purchase one of them, please order through our website's links (below) to help support the ministry of Me and My House.

Read our blog posts about mind mapping in general, iMindMap Special, about NovaMind, about Inspiration and more mind mapping.

Why use a computerized application, when drawing a Learning Map™ by hand is more effective for the learning process?

My primary reasons are:

for use as a teaching visual. Just seeing the graphic lay out, color, images, and such is more effective for our learning than seeing or hearing a linear outline. Our minds remember images, not pages of words. Remember, a picture paints a thousand words. A Learning Map™ is a type of picture.
for its editing abilities. It is far easier to change around and insert or rename branches, or add or replace images on a Map designed on a computer. When making Maps by hand, you have to start all over to make these changes.
for images. Adding in accurate pictures is a real plus for me. I am not one who has learned to draw accurately, let alone quickly. On a Map made on the computer, I can add photos or other images that relate directly to my topic. Would it be better for me to draw them myself? No doubt, yes. But I’m not there.

What's a Learning Map™? This gives you a good idea.
Map made with iMindMap software

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Learning Maps™

A Fruitful Methodology

What is a Learning Map™?

Why use a computerized application, when drawing a Learning Map™ by hand is more effective for the learning process?

What's a Learning Map™? This gives you a good idea. Map made with iMindMap software

What's a Learning Map™? This gives you a good idea.
Map made with iMindMap software